Columbia University park ready to open but needs city’s nod

Columbia Boathouse Marsh is a new waterfront public park in Inwood that is ready for kids, runners and even the sit-downers. Now, all it needs is the city’s OK.

Built by Columbia University, the public park at West 218th Street and Indian Road still needs a certificate of completion from the Parks Department – and will stay fenced off until it gets the piece of paper. Nothing is missing — benches, rails, plants and lights are all set up, a Columbia spokesperson said.

A spokesperson for the Parks Department declined to explain the delay. The park had been set to open last year, but Hurricane Sandy pushed back construction.

The park, also referred to as the Muscota Marsh, served as the centerpiece of the university’s 2011 community benefits agreement. By building the park, the university received the city’s permission to develop the Campbell Sports Center on 218th Street and Broadway. [DNAinfo] — Mark Maurer